By Leda Tselemegou | Sewing 4 Solidarity Coordinator
Dear Friends,
I would like to start this report by thanking everyone who has contributed to this project. Our work is only possible because of your donations.
I started this program with the objective of helping women refugees in the Greek Island of Leros, to become self-sufficient and gain confidence. Many of them have suffered immensely and now find themselves stranded in a foreign country. This project aims to empower these women and give them a chance to learn or refine the skill of sewing, which they can market to the community at large and earn an income.
Because of your support, each participant has been able to create various fabric items, such as bags and zippered pouches. Some of them have already been sold and the entire profit went back to the artist who made the product. Apart from the financial gain, the participants have the opportunity—through a creative activity—to build hope and motivation. The program teaches them valuable skills, provides a safe space, and promotes financial independence. Creativity can be an empowering tool, and each week all of our participants have the opportunity to be part of a workshop where they feel safe and have some sort of consistency and routine which they lack in this stage of their lives.
The photos bellow demonstrate what we have done with your donations in the past several months.
First of all, we were able to purchase furniture, such as a bookcase and chairs, to make the workshop space more comfortable and functional. We also purchased fabric (which is our main material) as well as other items (such as yarn, thread, ribbon and needles) for the making of bags and zipper pouches. As the Christmas holidays are approaching, we decided to participate in a municipal bazaar showcasing the women’s creations. We were able to buy Christmas-themed fabric to prepare items for the bazaar. We also started making pouches and hats with yarn, as some of the participants know how to knit or crochet, and it has been a success! We plan to showcase them in the Christmas bazaar along with the other creations!
In conclusion, I would once again like to stress the immense value of solidarity and the positive effects it can have for people and society as a whole! Because I believe in the strength of people and the change they can bring about, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to each and every one of you.
With gratitude,
Leda and the AP Team
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